Former presidential candidate and self-styled activist Omoyele Sowore found himself staring down the barrel of a Federal High Court as the Department of State Services (DSS) threw serious cybercrime allegations his way!

Sowore is facing a whopping five-count charge of defamation, linked to his audacious claims about President Bola Tinubu, whom he branded “a criminal” on his much-followed social media platforms, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. The DSS, clearly taking a stand against online defamation, filed this case shortly after demanding the removal of Sowore’s incendiary posts. Talk about a crackdown!

The legal troubles for Sowore have intensified, as the prosecution argues that his online antics violated the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act of 2024. Despite previous court adjournments, Sowore finally showed up for his arraignment, dodging a bench warrant that was sought because of his earlier absences. Justice Mohammed Umar, however, exercised some judicial restraint and opted for an adjournment instead of a warrant.

In the courtroom, Sowore’s attorney, Marshal Abubakar, was quick to challenge the legitimacy of the charges, claiming they were baseless. Meanwhile, legal representatives for Meta and X Corporation took a backseat, not opposing the proceedings. It raises questions: are they too scared to confront the public outrage this case might provoke?

As the courtroom drama unfolded, Sowore pleaded not guilty to all counts, but the courtroom wasn’t done with him yet. Abubakar wasted no time in filing a bail application, portraying Sowore as a pillar of society,a “two-time presidential candidate,” no less. The narrative was clear: this man is a political heavyweight, and he’s ready to fight back!

On the other side, the DSS’s lawyer didn’t hold back, arguing against Sowore’s bail, warning that he could easily re-offend if released. The tension was palpable, with the stakes at an all-time high as the prosecution painted Sowore as a potential threat to national security.

Despite the DSS's fervent opposition, Justice Umar granted Sowore bail on self-recognition, underscoring his political stature and previous engagements with the law. But here’s the kicker: Sowore is now barred from making comments that could stir national unrest. The judge's warning looms large,step out of line, and it’s game over!

The trial is set to resume on January 19, 2026, but one thing is clear: this isn’t just a case of alleged cybercrime; it’s a battle for political dominance and public perception.